I've been brewing with the aluminum cam locks for the past 14 months, a total of 28 brew sessions. No issues with them, they even look like the original aluminum color. I agree, they do cool down pretty fast. There are no signs of abuse or any dings.
Hope this helps.

I've been brewing with the aluminum cam locks for the past 14 months, a total of 28 brew sessions. No issues with them, they even look like the original aluminum color. I agree, they do cool down pretty fast. There are no signs of abuse or any dings.
Hope this helps.

Tom

Helps alot, I was going to order them anyways but I just like to have a little anecdotal evidence. Total came to 56 bucks including shipping for my rig (Males on all vessel ports, pump in/out, and water filter; females on ends of hoses-3 hoses total; and also bought a few dust caps/plugs for good measure).

The poly ones are 3/4" size so you would need 3/4" alum. which would mean you would need 3/4" threaded fittings and have to be able to stretch your tubing over 3/4" barbs. I love my poly ones and have had no issues or damage since I got them. I can use one size cam lock for my 1/2" or 3/4" connections too. 1/8" wall silicone stretches over the 3/4 barbs and gives you a larger flow diameter through the barb too.

Have any of you aluminum guys noticed damage to or have any leaking trouble with the threads of the camlocks? If not, did you just wrap liberally with tape and never remove them from your ball valves?

Thanks

No issues here. The only problem with threads I have had was when I initially soldered them (couplings to the pots). I had some carbon build up from my propane torch. It's a pain in the ass to get off but when I did get it off, free and clear. Thrown on some teflon tape and drive on.

i never take the cam locks off, though. I recirc. My hot cleaning solution through the pots, lines, and chiller while they're still in place.

Stainless: Not affected by cleaners, looks better than aluminum, costs 3x as much as aluminum but will increase the resale of the brew rig if hell freezes over and I decide to sell it.

Conclusions: If I'm worried about the looks of the brew rig, (i.e. polishing the kegs, painting the stand, not having multi-material ball valves/disconnects/elbows) then stainless is the best option.

If I'm trying to build a bare-bones (aesthetically) rig, then aluminum is the way to go.

Thanks for everybody's time and interest in the thread. I'll let you know what I decide.

I purchased my initial QD's from PFS I decide on SS Since I had SS ball valves & like the durability and non- reactivity. When I needed more I checked out Bargain a Fittings. Better prices & a fixed shipping charge. PFD really sticks you on shipping.
I've been using for a year plus and the fit & quality are great.
M

I don't see anyone advocating for the Polysulfone QDs. I think they are a great option. I have them for all of my valves. They work very well and are not hot during brewing. For homebrewing, I think they are a great option.